Five Ways to Avoid Holiday “Stuffing”

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November 16, 2018

There are a lot of things to enjoy about the holidays: family gatherings, traditional music, colorful lights, thoughtful gifts, generous spirits and of course fabulous food. We all love the unique foods which accompany the holidays, many of which have sentimental memories attached like my Nana’s Jam Thumbprint Cookies or my mother’s Company Carrots or my Holiday Cranberry Salad.

We all love these sorts of foods and quite honestly the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them as far as I’m concerned. But why is it that some folks can get through the holidays without gaining a pound even while enjoying their favorite holiday foods while others seem to keep adding on the same 5-7 pounds each year? It might have something to do with HOW we eat these foods and our ATTITUDE about holiday eating in general. Here are Five Ways to Avoid Holiday “Stuffing”:

1) Do not deprive yourself.

The more you restrict yourself from enjoying the foods you love during the holiday season (like my yummy Classic Pumpkin Roll), the more you’ll over-indulge in them. Allowing yourself access to your favorite goodies demystifies them and you’ll eat far fewer. Want to read more about this from a scientific point of view? Read on HERE.

2) Focus on your goals.

Commitment to a health goal, even during the holidays, supports your choices even when surrounded by foods you wouldn’t normally eat. The WHY determines the WHAT!

3) Plan Ahead.

Be sure to have healthful, easy-to-prepare foods in your house so that the busy days of holiday preparation don’t catch you off-guard, leaving you no option but to grab unhealthy fast-food or those left-over goodies your neighbor gave you. Make a big pot of soup, chili or stew at the start of each week during the holidays so you’ve got dinner covered, just in case you’re not home to make a meal.

4) Eat Colorful Foods.

Even during the holidays you can enjoy loads of vegetables and fruits. Commit to filling at least half your plate with colorful produce and high fiber foods, especially at parties where a lot of tempting high calorie foods are served. Salads, whole fruit, vegetable side dishes and grains are so tasty and fill you up with added nutrients. Try Holiday Cranberry Salad, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower with Toasted Pecans and Bacon, Greens and Seeds Salad with Balsamic Dressing

5) Honor your Hunger and Respect Your Fullness.

It’s very tempting to grab whatever is in sight, but wait until you’re hungry to enjoy your favorite foods. Eat what you want because fullness is not just about physical fullness; it’s also about mental or satisfying fullness which comes from enjoying foods you love not just foods you know you should eat. Slow down, savor unique flavors and smells so that you can stop when satisfied, not stuffed. There are always going to be leftovers.